We have occasional rain, but most days are sunny, cloudy or windy. When our kids spill a little water on their clothing, they often ask, “will it go away?” We have discussed evaporation, but I wanted them to see it in action. Since this week’s theme for Playful Preschool is weather, it was the perfect opportunity to revisit how water gets into the clouds and is later released as rain. We talked about the three states of water: solid, liquid and gas. I had them take turns standing on a chair to watch our experiment (with reminders about safety and not touching the stove).
Simple Evaporation Experiment:
You will need:
- 1/4 cup of water
- Food coloring (several drops)
- Paper coffee filter
- Metal mesh strainer that can be used on the stove
- Pan that works with the metal strainer
- Stove
Add several drops of food coloring to the water. Pour the water into the pan. Place the strainer into the pan above the water. Place the coffee filter inside the strainer. Turn the stove on to medium or medium/low. Allow the water to come to a boil and have your preschoolers watch as the water from the pan changes from a liquid into vapor as the colored water evaporates causing the coffee filter to change color. Xayden was especially fascinated that ice melts into water and boiling water becomes a gas. The next time they spill water on their clothes, or they see puddles outside, I will remind them of our simple experiment so that they make the connection.
*Tip: You must use a strainer that fits tightly on the pot. Otherwise, it will not work. I tried to repeat this with a different strainer, the steam escaped out the sides due to the poor fit. I did it again with the original strainer and it worked again.
Have you tried weather experiments with your children or students? I imagine in places where there are more dramatic seasonal changes, children identify with a variety of weather conditions (which leaves room for many meaningful experiments). If you are seeking ideas in this theme, make sure you read the posts from the rest of the Playful Preschool Team.
Playful Preschool Weather Themed Learning Activities:
Let’s Make Rain: A Pre-Writing Activity by The Educators’ Spin On It
How Hard has it Rained? A Preschool Science Investigation by Rainy Day Mumm
Fun! Will be trying this today.
Now that's fun! I have to try this, we have a few coffee filters left.
Hi Amanda.
I hope you enjoy it.
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Natasha.
Our kids were intrigued. I hope yours enjoy it too.
: 0 ) Theresa
Neat experiment! I love that we only need things we already have in the house.
Yippee we love great, easy ideas like this! Fun green activity for March, too! Thanks!
Looks like fun, one to put down for rainy days!
Hi Danielle.
It is nice when kids can learn from what we already have at home. Since we have four to take to the store, I am all about using what we have when we can!
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Amanda.
Yes, it can easily be used for St. Patrick's Day too! That is a great idea.
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi wearingl.
This would be perfect for rainy days. Standing by the warm stove might have an extra benefit on those days too!
: 0 ) Theresa
We're going to try this out later on in the week! Thanks for the great idea. 🙂
Hi Mary Catherine.
Great! I hope you enjoy it.
: 0 ) Theresa
Such a great visual for helping to explain evaporation. My kids love for me to tell them the story of the water cycle.
oh oh! I have all these things!
experiment time!
Hi Growing Book by Book.
That is great that you talk about the water cycle in story form.
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Nicolette.
If you try this, make sure the strainer is form fitting or else the steam escapes out the sides and it doesn't work.
: 0 ) Theresa
Love experiments like this that are simple to set up and easy to do with kids at home or in school. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you Cerys.
It is nice when things are easy and you already have the supplies.
: 0 ) Theresa